A Grateful Heart!

I (Al) am sitting in the attic, turned office, of our home here in Kosova. We have a coffee pot ready first thing in the morning, our computers and a couple of donated desks to work from. We have electric, most of the time, and a fan for those very hot days in August. We also have internet, running water, a refrigerator and washing machine.  Today I heard two loud “pops” outside, and then the electric went out. I had plans for the morning that included working on the computer which requires electric. I did what I could to finish, and tried to remain positive in that what I thought I would do today was not going to happen. 

We left our house 3 hours later, still without electric, and got into our 2004 VW Transporter van that had been purchased through gifts from donors in America for the ministry here.  As we headed for the Family Life Center I thought of all those things I wanted to accomplish today that were not going to be happening.

Kathi began preparing the omelets for the scheduled lunch today (Thursday).  Each person received a two egg omelet with cheese, bread and a small container of fruit flavored yogurt.  Not knowing why, she felt prompted also to make a big pot of soup.  One of the boys, who walks with his mom and 3 younger siblings 30 minutes 3 times a week to be part of the feeding program, brought half of his omelet to us and asked if he would be allowed to take it home with him.  We said, “of course, but why do you not finish it?”  He said he wanted something for later and there is no food in the house.  They eat when they come to the Center. They had not eaten since Tuesday’s lunch.  Our hearts are breaking as we see these children struggle to survive. They live in one room of a house with no running water, no electric and a hole in the ground outside for a bathroom.  The FLC provides their only place for showers and laundry.  This mother asked if she could please take a 6 liter bottle of water home, as they are without drinking water, and it’s been hot. 

 

Mama  Kathi cleans and bandages a toe smashed by a big rock!

As Kathi was cleaning and dressing his brothers smashed toe, this boy was in the kitchen, on his knees with his face on the floor, singing worship songs to Jesus and thanking Him for all he has.

When Kathi first started the soup she didn’t know for whom, but it had become very clear now.  The soup, the left over bread and 6 liters of Kos (yogurt) went home with this family, and yes the water, too.  This 10 year old boy, who always wants to be the one to pray and ask the blessing on the meal, showed me something about a grateful heart today. 

It‘s been near or over 100 degrees for more than a week now.   Water has been sparse at best in the higher elevation areas due to drought and the increase in watering lawns, gardens and business fronts. The Family Life Center is in such an area.  We’ve gone through our stored supply of water and are now hauling water in from the lower areas of the city for cooking and washing dishes.  We’re also purchasing water for drinking.  Showers and laundry have come to a halt.  We have had to take two separate families’ children to the ER for medication because of overheating and dehydration.   Again, the FLC is the only source for some of our families.

Grateful hearts and full bellies!

We have a vision of expanding the Family Life Center to include at least 5 days a week serving two meals per day to children such as these kids, and others in similar situations.  Our desire is to feed them breakfast and lunch, work with them on basic hygiene, help cloth them with clean, acceptable clothing for school, assist them to read and write, and love them with the love of Jesus Christ.  As part of this vision, we’re also scheduling seminars for the parents with a local Dr.  She will be teaching on basic health care practices and preventive health care measures so the children do not spend the upcoming winter sick.

Always ready to help!

Tough guy!

Heat is another one of their major obstacles.  Firewood is the main heat and cooking source for most families.  It is the only source for the poor.  We are now entering the season to be purchasing wood and bulk produce at the low prices.  Most of the families we serve do not have money to buy both wood and food.   We created an anual “Fast Food Fast” event as a help to supply funds for a winter’s portion of conserved food items (peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers) and firewood. Details on the Fast Food Fast and opportunities to participate will soon be posted on this blog and our Facebook page "Changed by His Love Kosova". This years event will begin October 1st 2011.

Last week!

Last week was full of ministering to the hearts of people.   We have one couple in church who, we recently realized, are not legally married but have been living together and have a son together.  We shared the word of God on this issue and to our surprise found the woman more resistant than the man to receive counsel in this area.    She became very agitated when we presented God’s word on marital relationships.  She had been wounded much over the years and needs healing.   Please be in prayer for the healing of her heart and a willingness to change their current living situation.

One man, whose wife needs surgery, had lost hope, due to their circumstances, and resorted to stealing the 300 euro needed for her surgery.   We were able to share the scriptures with him about stealing (Ephesians 4:28), being associated with a thief (Ephesians 5:3-8) and about being guilty in associating with a thief and bringing a curse upon both (Proverbs 29:24).  He was very open and quick to repent.  Al actually was able to accompany him to return the stolen money to its owners.  He repented and asked forgiveness from them.   They were gracious and able to see the life-change Jesus is making in him.  His peace was restored.  Praise God for His faithfulness.

Another of the women in church, who has been very open to being discipled, is struggling with her husband who has also confessed Jesus as his Savior.  He is currently struggling to overcome alcoholism and becomes very violent when drunk.  He has beaten her on several occasions, which is very prevalent in their culture.  She is often very frightened for herself and their children when he has been drinking.  He has alienated both neighbors and family.   He has not recently been coming to church and has not been home when Al has set appointments to talk with him.  Please pray for her protection and peace as she is very discourage.  She is believing God for a resolve to this situation.  Pray that he will be open to counsel and receive freedom and healing from this alcohol and rage.

One woman, a new believer, came to church Saturday with heavy burdens on her heart.   As she spoke with our female translator the translator said, “Please stop using that foul language”.  This woman has come from a very rough background and even though she loves the Lord she still swears like a…… someone who swears a lot.   She is very open to discipling, but just as all things are innocent to the innocent, she needs revelation and teaching about how she presents her thoughts.  We know once she realizes this she will quickly turn from this language.  When we asked the translator what she had said, the translator would only say, “I can’t say those things and will not”.  LOL

Saturday evening worship was amazing as many of the people were touched by the Presence of God.  Some wept, another could not speak what he was feeling and just smiled like “the cat that swallowed the canary”, and still another sat quietly, eyes closed, clutching his bible.  We believe God was ministering to some deep personal needs that night.  We are praying for breakthrough.

Jesus ministered to the broken and the outcast.  He has called us to do the same.  Please continue to pray Holy Spirit will move in the hearts and lives of these people.  

Also, for the last several months we have been working with a paid translator for Saturday evening services.  We operate in our new language on a daily basis, but the deep things of the Spirit are sometimes difficult to communicate.   Pray God will continue to give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.